There is a lie that gets told every year in the Menke home right about now. It goes something like this:
“Hey guys, this is our first broccoli from the garden this year.” (Jennie)
“Really? I thought you weren’t going to grow broccoli anymore.” (any one except Jennie)
“Yeah, I know. But I was at Shady Acres and it looked good, so I bought some. I got it in early, so the Cabbage Moths weren’t a problem.” (Jennie)
“Really? Are you sure? (Family member A)
“You are positive there aren’t any worms?” (Family member B)
“Have you seen any moths? Do the leaves have any holes? Are you sure?” (Family member C)
“I am positive there are no worms. I promise.” (Jennie – THE GREAT LIE.)
BT is a very good (and organic) control for cabbage worms. The problem is, you have to go into the barn, find it, mix it, spray the plants and repeat at least once a week during the growing season. I simply can’t be counted on to do that.
Oh, what’s that you say? I should just pick the worms off? Sure. No problem. Here is what my family sees when they sit down to some perfectly steamed broccoli:
And this is what I see, right after telling the Great Lie:
Of course, this second photo has been enhanced, for your viewing pleasure. It is what I see. My family, most notably, does not see the worm, even though it is there. Scroll back up and look for yourself.
I have two choices at this point.
1) I can fess up and tell them that I lied. That I really did see moths, and holes on the leaves and even saw a worm before steaming, but was positive they were gone until right this very minute when I saw it on my plate.
Or, 2) I can keep my mouth shut, eat the worm and pretend nothing untoward is happening.
What would you do? (comment please).
Well, as I’m sure you all know by now, I ate the worm. Admitting I was wrong would have been way harder.